Delivery of analgesics through an inhalation route

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the delivery of analgesics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an analgesic is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol, on a solid support to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol through an inhalation is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of an acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/151,596 and 10/735,497 entitled “Delivery of Analgesics Through an Inhalation Route,” filed May 16, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,855,310, and Dec. 12, 2003, respectively, Rabinowitz and Zaffaroni; which claim priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/294,203, entitled “Thermal Vapor Delivery of Drugs,” filed May 24, 2001, Rabinowitz and Zaffaroni and to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/317,479 entitled “Aerosol Drug Delivery,” filed Sep. 5, 2001, Rabinowitz and Zaffaroni; the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the delivery of analgesics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol that are used in inhalation therapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of compositions currently marketed as analgesics. The compositions contain at least one active ingredient that provides for the observed therapeutic effects. Among the active ingredients given in analgesic compositions are acetaminophen, orphenadrine and tramadol.

It is desirable to provide a new route of administration for acetaminophen, orphenadrine and tramadol that rapidly produces peak plasma concentrations of the compound. The provision of such a route is an object of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the delivery of analgesics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol that are used in inhalation therapy.

In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol.

Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 200 μg.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises acetaminophen, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 1000 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 20 mg/L and 750 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 30 mg/L and 500 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises orphenadrine, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 100 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 20 mg/L and 85 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 30 mg/L and 70 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises tramadol, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 2 mg/L and 100 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 75 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 50 mg/L.

Typically, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁶ particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁷ particles/mL or 10⁸ particles/mL.

Typically, the aerosol particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).

Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.2.

Typically, the aerosol is formed by heating a composition containing acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol to form a vapor and subsequently allowing the vapor to condense into an aerosol.

In a method aspect of the present invention, one of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. Preferably, the composition that is heated comprises at least 10 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol. More preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol.

Typically, the particles comprise at least 5 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol.

Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 200 μg.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, the particles of the delivered condensation aerosol have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s). “In certain embodiments the particles have an MMAD of from about 0.2 to about 3 microns.”.

Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.2.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises acetaminophen, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 1000 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 20 mg/L and 750 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 30 mg/L and 500 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises orphenadrine, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 100 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 20 mg/L and 85 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 30 mg/L and 70 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises tramadol, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 2 mg/L and 100 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 75 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 50 mg/L.

Typically, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁶ particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10⁷ particles/mL or 10⁸ particles/mL.

Typically, the rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation of the delivered condensation aerosol is greater than 10⁸ particles per second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10⁹ inhalable particles per second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10¹⁰ inhalable particles per second.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.5 mg/second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.75 mg/second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 1 mg/second, 1.5 mg/second or 2 mg/second.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises acetaminophen, between 10 mg and 1000 mg of acetaminophen are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 20 mg and 750 mg of acetaminophen are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 30 mg and 500 mg of acetaminophen are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises orphenadrine, between 10 mg and 100 mg of orphenadrine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 20 mg and 85 mg of orphenadrine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 30 mg and 70 mg of orphenadrine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises tramadol, between 2 mg and 100 mg of tramadol are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 5 mg and 75 mg of tramadol are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 10 mg and 50 mg of tramadol are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol results in a peak plasma concentration of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol in the mammal in less than 1 h. Preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.5 h. More preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, or 0.005 h (arterial measurement).

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is used to treat pain.

In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol; and, b) a device that forms an acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol.

Typically, the device contained in the kit comprises: a) an element for heating the acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol composition to form a vapor; b) an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol; and, c) an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a device used to deliver acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol aerosols to a mammal through an inhalation route.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

“Acetaminophen” refers to N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide.

“Acetaminophen degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of acetaminophen. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis.

“Aerodynamic diameter” of a given particle refers to the diameter of a spherical droplet with a density of 1 g/mL (the density of water) that has the same settling velocity as the given particle.

“Aerosol” refers to a suspension of solid or liquid particles in a gas.

“Aerosol drug mass density” refers to the mass of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol per unit volume of aerosol.

“Aerosol mass density” refers to the mass of particulate matter per unit volume of aerosol.

“Aerosol particle density” refers to the number of particles per unit volume of aerosol.

“Amorphous particle” refers to a particle that does not contain more than 50 percent by weight of a crystalline form. Preferably, the particle does not contain more than 25 percent by weight of a crystalline form. More preferably, the particle does not contain more than 10 percent by weight of a crystalline form.

“Condensation aerosol” refers to an aerosol formed by vaporization of a substance followed by condensation of the substance into an aerosol.

“Inhalable aerosol drug mass density” refers to the aerosol drug mass density produced by an inhalation device and delivered into a typical patient tidal volume.

“Inhalable aerosol mass density” refers to the aerosol mass density produced by an inhalation device and delivered into a typical patient tidal volume.

“Inhalable aerosol particle density” refers to the aerosol particle density of particles of size between 100 nm and 5 microns produced by an inhalation device and delivered into a typical patient tidal volume.

“Mass median aerodynamic diameter” or “MMAD” of an aerosol refers to the aerodynamic diameter for which half the particulate mass of the aerosol is contributed by particles with an aerodynamic diameter larger than the MMAD and half by particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than the MMAD.

“Orphenadrine” refers to N,N-dimethyl-2-[(2-methylphenyl)phenylmethoxy]-ethanamine.

“Orphenadrine degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of orphenadrine. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis.

“Rate of aerosol formation” refers to the mass of aerosolized particulate matter produced by an inhalation device per unit time.

“Rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation” refers to the number of particles of size between 100 nm and 5 microns produced by an inhalation device per unit time.

“Rate of drug aerosol formation” refers to the mass of aerosolized acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol produced by an inhalation device per unit time.

“Settling velocity” refers to the terminal velocity of an aerosol particle undergoing gravitational settling in air.

“Tramadol” refers to (±)cis-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-cyclohexanol.

“Tramadol degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of tramadol. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis.

“Typical patient tidal volume” refers to 1 L for an adult patient and 15 mL/kg for a pediatric patient.

“Vapor” refers to a gas, and “vapor phase” refers to a gas phase. The term “thermal vapor” refers to a vapor phase, aerosol, or mixture of aerosol-vapor phases, formed preferably by heating.

Formation of Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine or Tramadol Containing Aerosols

Any suitable method is used to form the aerosols of the present invention. A preferred method, however, involves heating a composition comprising acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol to form a vapor, followed by cooling of the vapor such that it condenses to provide an acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol comprising aerosol (condensation aerosol). The composition is heated in one of four forms: as pure active compound (i.e., pure acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol); as a mixture of active compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient; as a salt form of the pure active compound; and, as a mixture of active compound salt form and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Salt forms of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol are either commercially available or are obtained from the corresponding free base using well known methods in the art. A variety of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are suitable for aerosolization. Such salts include, without limitation, the following: hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, maleic acid, formic acid, and fumaric acid salts.

Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be volatile or nonvolatile. Volatile excipients, when heated, are concurrently volatilized, aerosolized and inhaled with acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol. Classes of such excipients are known in the art and include, without limitation, gaseous, supercritical fluid, liquid and solid solvents. The following is a list of exemplary carriers within the classes: water; terpenes, such as menthol; alcohols, such as ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol and other similar alcohols; dimethylformamide; dimethylacetamide; wax; supercritical carbon dioxide; dry ice; and mixtures thereof.

Solid supports on which the composition is heated are of a variety of shapes. Examples of such shapes include, without limitation, cylinders of less than 1.0 mm in diameter, boxes of less than 1.0 mm thickness and virtually any shape permeated by small (e.g., less than 1.0 mm-sized) pores. Preferably, solid supports provide a large surface to volume ratio (e.g., greater than 100 per meter) and a large surface to mass ratio (e.g., greater than 1 cm² per gram).

A solid support of one shape can also be transformed into another shape with different properties. For example, a flat sheet of 0.25 mm thickness has a surface to volume ratio of approximately 8,000 per meter. Rolling the sheet into a hollow cylinder of 1 cm diameter produces a support that retains the high surface to mass ratio of the original sheet but has a lower surface to volume ratio (about 400 per meter).

A number of different materials are used to construct the solid supports. Classes of such materials include, without limitation, metals, inorganic materials, carbonaceous materials and polymers. The following are examples of the material classes: aluminum, silver, gold, stainless steel, copper and tungsten; silica, glass, silicon and alumina; graphite, porous carbons, carbon yarns and carbon felts; polytetrafluoroethylene and polyethylene glycol. Combinations of materials and coated variants of materials are used as well.

Where aluminum is used as a solid support, aluminum foil is a suitable material. Examples of silica, alumina and silicon based materials include amphorous silica S-5631 (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.), BCR171 (an alumina of defined surface area greater than 2 m²/g from Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) and a silicon wafer as used in the semiconductor industry. Carbon yams and felts are available from American Kynol, Inc., New York, N.Y. Chromatography resins such as octadecycl silane chemically bonded to porous silica are exemplary coated variants of silica.

The heating of the acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol compositions is performed using any suitable method. Examples of methods by which heat can be generated include the following: passage of current through an electrical resistance element; absorption of electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave or laser light; and, exothermic chemical reactions, such as exothermic solvation, hydration of pyrophoric materials and oxidation of combustible materials.

Delivery of Acetominophen, Orphenadrine or Tramadol Containing Aerosols

Acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing aerosols of the present invention are delivered to a mammal using an inhalation device. Where the aerosol is a condensation aerosol, the device has at least three elements: an element for heating an acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing composition to form a vapor; an element allowing the vapor to cool, thereby providing a condensation aerosol; and, an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol. Various suitable heating methods are described above. The element that allows cooling is, in it simplest form, an inert passageway linking the heating means to the inhalation means. The element permitting inhalation is an aerosol exit portal that forms a connection between the cooling element and the mammal's respiratory system.

One device used to deliver the acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing aerosol is described in reference to FIG. 1. Delivery device 100 has a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104, a heating module 106, a power source 108, and a mouthpiece 110. An acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol composition is deposited on a surface 112 of heating module 106. Upon activation of a user activated switch 114, power source 108 initiates heating of heating module 106 (e.g, through ignition of combustible fuel or passage of current through a resistive heating element). The acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol composition volatilizes due to the heating of heating module 106 and condenses to form a condensation aerosol prior to reaching the mouthpiece 110 at the proximal end of the device 102. Air flow traveling from the device distal end 104 to the mouthpiece 110 carries the condensation aerosol to the mouthpiece 110, where it is inhaled by the mammal.

Devices, if desired, contain a variety of components to facilitate the delivery of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing aerosols. For instance, the device may include any component known in the art to control the timing of drug aerosolization relative to inhalation (e.g., breath-actuation), to provide feedback to patients on the rate and/or volume of inhalation, to prevent excessive use (i.e., “lock-out” feature), to prevent use by unauthorized individuals, and/or to record dosing histories.

Dosage of Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine or Tramadol Containing Aerosols

Acetaminophen, orphenadrine and tramadol are given at strengths of 650 mg, 60 mg, and 50 mg respectively for the treatment of pain. As aerosols, 10 mg to 1000 mg or acetaminophen, 10 mg to 100 mg of orphenadrine, and 2 mg to 100 mg of tramadol are generally provided per inspiration for the same indication. A typical dosage of an acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol aerosol is either administered as a single inhalation or as a series of inhalations taken within an hour or less (dosage equals sum of inhaled amounts). Where the drug is administered as a series of inhalations, a different amount may be delivered in each inhalation. The dosage amount of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol in aerosol form is generally no greater than twice the standard dose of the drug given orally.

One can determine the appropriate dose of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing aerosols to treat a particular condition using methods such as animal experiments and a dose-finding (Phase I/II) clinical trial. One animal experiment involves measuring plasma concentrations of drug in an animal after its exposure to the aerosol. Mammals such as dogs or primates are typically used in such studies, since their respiratory systems are similar to that of a human. Initial dose levels for testing in humans is generally less than or equal to the dose in the mammal model that resulted in plasma drug levels associated with a therapeutic effect in humans. Dose escalation in humans is then performed, until either an optimal therapeutic response is obtained or a dose-limiting toxicity is encountered.

Analysis of Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine or Tramadol Containing Aerosols

Purity of an acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing aerosol is determined using a number of methods, examples of which are described in Sekine et al., Journal of Forensic Science 32:1271–1280 (1987) and Martin et al., Journal of Analytic Toxicology 13:158–162 (1989). One method involves forming the aerosol in a device through which a gas flow (e.g., air flow) is maintained, generally at a rate between 0.4 and 60 L/min. The gas flow carries the aerosol into one or more traps. After isolation from the trap, the aerosol is subjected to an analytical technique, such as gas or liquid chromatography, that permits a determination of composition purity.

A variety of different traps are used for aerosol collection. The following list contains examples of such traps: filters; glass wool; impingers; solvent traps, such as dry ice-cooled ethanol, methanol, acetone and dichloromethane traps at various pH values; syringes that sample the aerosol; empty, low-pressure (e.g., vacuum) containers into which the aerosol is drawn; and, empty containers that fully surround and enclose the aerosol generating device. Where a solid such as glass wool is used, it is typically extracted with a solvent such as ethanol. The solvent extract is subjected to analysis rather than the solid (i.e., glass wool) itself. Where a syringe or container is used, the container is similarly extracted with a solvent.

The gas or liquid chromatograph discussed above contains a detection system (i.e., detector). Such detection systems are well known in the art and include, for example, flame ionization, photon absorption and mass spectrometry detectors. An advantage of a mass spectrometry detector is that it can be used to determine the structure of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol degradation products.

Particle size distribution of an acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing aerosol is determined using any suitable method in the art (e.g., cascade impaction). An Andersen Eight Stage Non-viable Cascade Impactor (Andersen Instruments, Smyrna, Ga.) linked to a furnace tube by a mock throat (USP throat, Andersen Instruments, Smyrna, Ga.) is one system used for cascade impaction studies.

Inhalable aerosol mass density is determined, for example, by delivering a drug-containing aerosol into a confined chamber via an inhalation device and measuring the mass collected in the chamber. Typically, the aerosol is drawn into the chamber by having a pressure gradient between the device and the chamber, wherein the chamber is at lower pressure than the device. The volume of the chamber should approximate the tidal volume of an inhaling patient.

Inhalable aerosol drug mass density is determined, for example, by delivering a drug-containing aerosol into a confined chamber via an inhalation device and measuring the amount of active drug compound collected in the chamber. Typically, the aerosol is drawn into the chamber by having a pressure gradient between the device and the chamber, wherein the chamber is at lower pressure than the device. The volume of the chamber should approximate the tidal volume of an inhaling patient. The amount of active drug compound collected in the chamber is determined by extracting the chamber, conducting chromatographic analysis of the extract and comparing the results of the chromatographic analysis to those of a standard containing known amounts of drug.

Inhalable aerosol particle density is determined, for example, by delivering aerosol phase drug into a confined chamber via an inhalation device and measuring the number of particles of given size collected in the chamber. The number of particles of a given size may be directly measured based on the light-scattering properties of the particles. Alternatively, the number of particles of a given size is determined by measuring the mass of particles within the given size range and calculating the number of particles based on the mass as follows: Total number of particles=Sum (from size range 1 to size range N) of number of particles in each size range. Number of particles in a given size range=Mass in the size range/Mass of a typical particle in the size range. Mass of a typical particle in a given size range=π*D³*φ/6, where D is a typical particle diameter in the size range (generally, the mean boundary MMADs defining the size range) in microns, φ is the particle density (in g/mL) and mass is given in units of picograms (g⁻¹²).

Rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation is determined, for example, by delivering aerosol phase drug into a confined chamber via an inhalation device. The delivery is for a set period of time (e.g., 3 s), and the number of particles of a given size collected in the chamber is determined as outlined above. The rate of particle formation is equal to the number of 100 nm to 5 micron particles collected divided by the duration of the collection time.

Rate of aerosol formation is determined, for example, by delivering aerosol phase drug into a confined chamber via an inhalation device. The delivery is for a set period of time (e.g., 3 s), and the mass of particulate matter collected is determined by weighing the confined chamber before and after the delivery of the particulate matter. The rate of aerosol formation is equal to the increase in mass in the chamber divided by the duration of the collection time. Alternatively, where a change in mass of the delivery device or component thereof can only occur through release of the aerosol phase particulate matter, the mass of particulate matter may be equated with the mass lost from the device or component during the delivery of the aerosol. In this case, the rate of aerosol formation is equal to the decrease in mass of the device or component during the delivery event divided by the duration of the delivery event.

Rate of drug aerosol formation is determined, for example, by delivering an acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing aerosol into a confined chamber via an inhalation device over a set period of time (e.g., 3 s). Where the aerosol is pure acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol, the amount of drug collected in the chamber is measured as described above. The rate of drug aerosol formation is equal to the amount of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol collected in the chamber divided by the duration of the collection time. Where the acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing aerosol comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, multiplying the rate of aerosol formation by the percentage of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol in the aerosol provides the rate of drug aerosol formation.

Utility of Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine or Tramadol Containing Aerosols

The acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol containing aerosols of the present invention are typically used for the treatment of pain.

The following examples are meant to illustrate, rather than limit, the present invention.

Acetaminophen and orphenadrine hydrochloride are commercially available from Sigma (www.sigma-aldrich.com). Tramadol hydrochloride is available in tablets (ULTRAM®) and can be isolated using standard methods in the art.

EXAMPLE 1 General Procedure for Obtaining Free Base of a Compound Salt

Approximately 1 g of salt (e.g., mono hydrochloride) is dissolved in deionized water (˜30 mL). Three equivalents of sodium hydroxide (1 N NaOH_(aq)) is added dropwise to the solution, and the pH is checked to ensure it is basic. The aqueous solution is extracted four times with dichloromethane (˜50 mL), and the extracts are combined, dried (Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The filtered organic solution is concentrated using a rotary evaporator to provide the desired free base. If necessary, purification of the free base is performed using standard methods such as chromatography or recrystallization.

EXAMPLE 2 General Procedure for Volatilizing Compounds from Halogen Bulb

A solution of drug in approximately 120 μL dichloromethane is coated on a 3.5 cm×7.5 cm piece of aluminum foil (precleaned with acetone). The dichloromethane is allowed to evaporate. The coated foil is wrapped around a 300 watt halogen tube (Feit Electric Company, Pico Rivera, Calif.), which is inserted into a glass tube sealed at one end with a rubber stopper. Running 60 V of alternating current (driven by line power controlled by a variac) through the bulb for 6 s (acetaminophen) or 90 V for 3.5 s (orphenadrine or orphenadrine hydrochloride) affords thermal vapor (including aerosol), which is collected on the glass tube walls. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis with detection by absorption of 225 nm light is used to determine the purity of the aerosol. (When desired, the system is flushed through with argon prior to volatilization.)

Acetaminophen aerosol and orphenadrine aerosol were obtained in 100% purity using this procedure.

Tramadol hydrochloride was heated at 90 V for 3.5 s (methanol/dichloromethane solvent mixture used for coating) using the above-described apparatus to provide tramadol aerosol in 100% purity.

EXAMPLE 3 Volatilization of Tramadol

Tramadol (17.5 mg) was spread out in a thin layer on a 8 cm×5 cm sheet of aluminum foil. The coated aluminum foil sheet was inserted into a glass tube in a furnace (tube furnace). A glass wool plug was placed in the tube adjacent to the foil sheet, and an air flow of 2 L/min was applied. The furnace was heated to 250° C. for 120 s to volatilize the coated tramadol and then was allowed to cool. The glass wool was extracted, and HPLC analysis of the collected material showed it to be at least 97.3% pure tramadol. 

1. A condensation aerosol for delivery of a drug selected from the group consisting of acetaminophen, orphenadrine and tramadol, wherein the condensation aerosol is formed by heating a thin layer containing the drug, on a solid support, to produce a vapor of the drug, and condensing the vapor to form a condensation aerosol characterized by less than 10% drug degradation products by weight, and an MMAD of less than 5 microns.
 2. The condensation aerosol according to claim 1, wherein the condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10⁹ particles per second.
 3. The condensation aerosol according to claim 2, wherein the condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10¹⁰ particles per second.
 4. A method of producing a drug selected from the group consisting of acetaminophen, orphenadrine and tramadol in an aerosol form comprising: a. heating a thin layer containing the drug, on a solid support, to produce a vapor of the drug, and b. providing an air flow through the vapor to form a condensation aerosol characterized by less than 10% drug degradation products by weight, and an MMAD of less than 5 microns.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10⁹ particles per second.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10¹⁰ particles per second.
 7. The condensation aerosol according to claim 1, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by an MMAD of 0.1 to 5 microns.
 8. The condensation aerosol according to claim 1, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by an MMAD of less than 3 microns.
 9. The condensation aerosol according to claim 1, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by an MMAD of about 0.2 to 3 microns.
 10. The condensation aerosol according to claim 1, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by less than 5% drug degradation products by weight.
 11. The condensation aerosol according to claim 10, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by less than 2.5% drug degradation products by weight.
 12. The condensation aerosol according to claim 1, wherein the solid support is a metal foil.
 13. The condensation aerosol according to claim 1, wherein the drug is acetaminophen.
 14. The condensation aerosol according to claim 1, wherein the drug is orphenadrine.
 15. The condensation aerosol according to claim 1, wherein the drug is tramadol.
 16. The method according to claim 4, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by an MMAD of 0.1 to 5 microns.
 17. The method according to claim 4, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by an MMAD of less than 3 microns.
 18. The method according to claim 4, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by an MMAD of about 0.2 to 3 microns.
 19. The method according to claim 4, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by less than 5% drug degradation products by weight.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the condensation aerosol is characterized by less than 2.5% drug degradation products by weight.
 21. The method according to claim 4, wherein the solid support is a metal foil.
 22. The method according to claim 4, wherein the drug is acetaminophen.
 23. The method according to claim 4, wherein the drug is orphenadrine.
 24. The method according to claim 4, wherein the drug is tramadol.
 25. A condensation aerosol for delivery of acetaminophen, wherein the condensation aerosol is formed by heating a thin layer containing acetaminophen, on a solid support, to produce a vapor of acetaminophen, and condensing the vapor to form a condensation aerosol characterized by less than 5% acetaminophen degradation products by weight, and an MMAD of about 0.2 to 3 microns.
 26. A condensation aerosol for delivery of orphenadrine, wherein the condensation aerosol is formed by heating a thin layer containing orphenadrine, on a solid support, to produce a vapor of orphenadrine, and condensing the vapor to form a condensation aerosol characterized by less than 5% orphenadrine degradation products by weight, and an MMAD of about 0.2 to 3 microns.
 27. A condensation aerosol for delivery of tramadol, wherein the condensation aerosol is formed by heating a thin layer containing tramadol, on a solid support, to produce a vapor of tramadol, and condensing the vapor to form a condensation aerosol characterized by less than 5% tramadol degradation products by weight, and an MMAD of about 0.2 to 3 microns.
 28. A method of producing acetaminophen in an aerosol form comprising: a. heating a thin layer containing acetaminophen, on a solid support, to produce a vapor of acetaminophen, and b. providing an air flow through the vapor to form a condensation aerosol characterized by less than 5% acetaminophen degradation products by weight, and an MMAD of about 0.2 to 3 microns.
 29. A method of producing orphenadrine in an aerosol form comprising: a. heating a thin layer containing orphenadrine, on a solid support, to produce a vapor of orphenadrine, and b. providing an air flow through the vapor to form a condensation aerosol characterized by less than 5% orphenadrine degradation products by weight, and an MMAD of about 0.2 to 3 microns.
 30. A method of producing tramadol in an aerosol form comprising: a. heating a thin layer containing tramadol, on a solid support, to produce a vapor of tramadol, and b. providing an air flow through the vapor to form a condensation aerosol characterized by less than 5% tramadol degradation products by weight, and an MMAD of about 0.2 to 3 microns. 